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JUNE 7, 2013
Remembering Stuart Walzer (1924 - 2013)
![]() At the time, I had belonged to a private “living room” book discussion group comprised of girlfriends and like-minded friends of friends for several years, so I knew how these things operated. But facilitating discussions that are open to the public, where there are likely to be people of various ages and backgrounds, with a diversity of ideas, temperaments, and opinions, there is potential for conversational detours that could become tricky to navigate. But here was Stuart Walzer, not only a brilliant, well-read man, but a specialist in matrimonial law – a highly tolerant, diplomatic person with vast skills in getting conflicting parties to come to terms. There are a great many things that I do not know, but when a good opportunity knocks, I know enough to open the door. For a full decade, Stuart and often his wife Paula, facilitated 172 book discussions at the Library, cultivating a devoted group of readers who enjoyed lively, congenial discussion of mid-to-high level literary fiction, including both contemporary works and classics. I have participated in many of these sessions and always came away deeply satisfied with the shared experience of discussing literature that I had enjoyed in private. Wearing my library hat, I always recognized the value of building community around books and reading. Stuart passed away at age 88 on May 8. This kind, wise, deeply intellectual man with his vast range of interests – a Renaissance man really – will be sorely missed by many people. We at the Library will always be grateful to Stuart for founding the Library’s Literary Circle and for offering this special activity to our community. We send our heartfelt condolences to Stuart’s family, and will always remember him with fondness and gratitude. The Library will honor the tradition of the monthly Literary Circle established by Stuart, with yours truly attempting to fill his very large shoes by facilitating the discussions. Currently on its usual summer hiatus, the Circle will meet again on Monday, August 26, at 6:30 p.m., in the Library Community Room. We’ll be discussing Adam Jonson’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel The Orphan Master’s Son. I look forward to reacquainting myself with the regular Literary Circle participants and to meeting newcomers, who are always most welcome.
Categories: In the Know, Upcoming Events, Lets Talk Books APRIL 13, 2013
National Poetry Month is Here!
![]() If writing poetry is your pleasure, join poet and teacher Patrice Vecchione for a Poetry Writing Workshop on Saturday, April 20, 2 - 3:30 p.m. Adults and teens age 14-up are welcome. It's free of charge, thanks to the Friends of the Monterey Public Library and a grant from Poets and Writers, Inc., but reservations are required. Call 831.646.3949. Visit www.monterey.org/library for more details. By the way, Patrice has a brand new book of poetry out, and will be selling and signing copies of it immediately following the workshop!
Categories: Upcoming Events, In the Know FEBRUARY 8, 2013
Chocolate & Wine Magic
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Category: Upcoming Events JANUARY 23, 2013
Dearest Jane
![]() For ages 16-up. Admission is free, but reservations are required. 831.646.3949 or email mccombs@monterey.org
Categories: In the Know, Upcoming Events DECEMBER 4, 2012
Winter 'Round the World
![]() The Monterey Public Library will present Winter 'Round the World; a Multi-Cultural Celebration on Saturday, December 8, 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., a fun and informative day of music, entertainment, displays, celebrating winter traditions from many cultures. The event will include exhibits, crafts, story circles, and dance, illuminating aspects of winter holidays. There will Chanukkah songs with Alisa Fineman and Kimball Hurd at 10:30 a.m., Italian and Irish Christmas songs by Marylee Sunseri at 1:30 p.m. Among the traditions represented will be Russia, Mexico, China, Spain, India, the Middle East.
Categories: Upcoming Events, In the Know NOVEMBER 27, 2012
Food for Fines
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Categories: In the Know, Upcoming Events NOVEMBER 27, 2012
Chocolate & Wine Tasting Tickets Now On Sale
![]() Tickets are now available for the Friends of the Monterey Public Library's annual Chocolate & Wine Tasting Benefit. The Friday, February 14, 7 - 9 p.m. event includes a dazzling array of chocolate goodies and wonderful wines to sample, live music, and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Library. (Ages 21-up only.) Tickets are $25 in advance at the Help Desk or $30 at the door. These tickets make GREAT holiday gifts!
Categories: In the Know, Upcoming Events NOVEMBER 14, 2012
Friends of the Library Giant Book Sale December 1
![]() On Saturday, closing hour special from 4 - 5 p.m., invites you to fill up an entire shopping bag for only $5. (Bring your own bags, please!) All proceeds go to purchase new library books and other materials. For information call 831.646.5602.
Category: Upcoming Events NOVEMBER 13, 2012
Happy Unbirthday Robert Louis Stevenson
![]() 19 June 1891 Dear Mr. Ide, Herewith please find the DOCUMENT which I trust will prove sufficient in law. It seems to me very attractive in its eclecticism; Scots, English and Roman law phrases are all indifferently introduced and a quotation from the works of Haynes Bayly can hardly fail to attract the indulgence of the Bench. Yours very truly, Robert Louis Stevenson ========== Join us tonight, Tuesday, November 13, at 7 p.m., at the Library, for a panel discussion of Stevenson, the travel writers, with a panel of RLS aficionados discussing their own travels in the great writer's footsteps, with selected readings. Admission is free. Email mccombs@ci.monterey.ca.us for information.
Categories: In the Know, Upcoming Events OCTOBER 23, 2012
Dylan Thomas 98th Birthday Celebration
![]() Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) had his own Monterey Peninsula connection, having visited Carmel, Carmel Valley, and Big Sur in 1952. While here, he met Robinson Jeffers, Henry Miller, and other local literary figures. Don’t miss this evening of poetry and music, at Carmel’s Indoor Forest Theatre, at the corner of Santa Rita and Mountain View. Admission is $10. For more information, email chroberts@hotmail.comor call 831.372.8820. (Photo: Taelen Thomas)
Categories: In the Know, Upcoming Events OCTOBER 19, 2012
Scary Stories
![]() The Library is putting the "boo" in books on Thursday, October 25, when kids ages 5-up are invited to join us for scary stories at 3:30 p.m. Then at 4:15 p.m., really, really, REALLY scary stories will be presented for ages 8-up. (Please note: age limits enforced.)
Categories: Storytime Kids, Upcoming Events OCTOBER 18, 2012
Tales from a Free Range Childhood
![]() Donald Davis isn’t a writer by profession. He is a storyteller. And he is marvelous! He travels over 300 days a year to festivals, colleges, concert halls, and conferences telling stories. He tells in venues where the audience might be comprised of hundreds of people – maybe even a thousand. He is among the best and most successful storytellers in America, and here’s the great thing – for twenty five of the twenty six years that the Library has been presenting an adult storytelling series, he has come to Monterey to tell stories in our Library Community Room! For a short and sweet read, I recommend Tales from a Free Range Childhood by Donald Davis, but if you want to hear a master storyteller, be sure to come to hear him next time he’s in town. Mark your calendars: Tuesday, July 23, 2013. Tickets are required, so check our Web site in June 2013 for advance for ticket information.
Categories: Staff Reads, Lets Talk Books, Upcoming Events OCTOBER 10, 2012
History Fest
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Categories: In the Know, Upcoming Events JUNE 5, 2012
Dream Big: READ!
This year’s Summer Reading Program gets underway on Saturday, June 9, when there will be a variety of events taking place throughout the Library from 10 a.m. until closing time at 6 p.m.
Children and Teens may sign up to participate by setting an individual reading goal and receiving a log book to keep track of reading progress. Each week there will be prizes for accomplishing reading goals, in addition to programs to keep kids engaged and entertained. This year’s theme “Dream Big: READ” has inspired a range of activities ranging from learning about the night sky, to scary stories around the indoor campfire, to meeting a live bat, a puppet show, and even a sleepover for stuffed animals! For teens there will be peer-led writing workshops, art projects, and a visit from a professional dream coach who will talk about the meaning of your dreams. Adults may also participate by writing book reviews and entering prize drawings. Read more about all the dreamy activities in store this summer by visiting us at www.monterey.org/library.
Categories: Upcoming Events, Lets Talk Books, Storytime Kids MAY 17, 2012
"Searching for Democracy WWII and Today" - a Panel Discussion
On Saturday, May 19, at 3 p.m., join us in the Library Community Room for a gathering of readers, scholars, and eye-witnesses for a discussion of the Japanese American experiences during WWII and the questions it raises about democracy in America today. Admission is free. This project is co-sponsored by the Monterey Public Library and the Monterey Peninsula Japanese American Citizens League. California reads programs are made possible with support from Cal Humanities in partnership with California Center for the Book.
Category: Upcoming Events APRIL 10, 2012
National Library Week
April 8 - 14 is National Library Week, a time to celebrate American libraries. I hope you'll enjoy reading this eloquent guest commentary in the Monterey County Herald about the Library Mission - a Constantly Evolving Story, written by Kim Bui-Burton, Community Services and Library Director for the City of Monterey.
Categories: In the Know, Upcoming Events APRIL 5, 2012
National Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month and a time to celebrate what Carl Sandburg described as "...the synthesis of hyacinths and biscuits." Whatever your take on poetry, please take time this April to enjoy reading your favorite poet. If you don't have a favorite poet, ask a librarian to recommend one to you, and savor one of those slim volumes!
If writing poetry is your pleasure, join poet and teacher Patrice Vecchione for a Poetry Writing Workshop on Saturday, April 14, 2 - 3:30 p.m. Adults and teens age 14-up are welcome. It's free of charge, thanks to the Friends of the Monterey Public Library and a grant from Poets and Writers, Inc., but reservations are requried. Call 831.646.3949. Visit www.monterey.org/library for more details.
Categories: In the Know, Lets Talk Books, Upcoming Events MARCH 28, 2012
Closed Friday for Staff Workshop
The Library will be closed on Friday, March 30 for an all day staff workshop. Once a year, the Library closes and the entire staff gathers to learn new skills and share information that help us better serve you. We apologize for any inconvenience to you. We'll reopen at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, and look forward to seeing you then.
Categories: Upcoming Events, In the Know MARCH 26, 2012
Farm Day Thursday
On March 29, from 10:30-2:30 there will be a farm petting zoo set up on the patio behind the Library. There will be toddler storytime at 10:15 and then the children will visit the barnyard at 10:30. The preschool storytime will begin at 11:00, with the children visiting the barnyard at 11:20. To facilitate this plan, please try to use the front Library door when you come to storytime.
During the rest of the day, come any time, to any door, to see the animals, the book display and farm toys. If you're allergic, sorry. We look forward to seeing you next week!
Categories: Storytime Kids, Upcoming Events MARCH 13, 2012
Stories for Adults
![]() Don't miss Elizabeth Ellis, one of America's top flight storytellers, at the Library on Wednesday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the MPL Community Room, 625 Pacific, Monterey. She has for us a program called "The Tax Man and Other Monsters", guaranteed to make you laugh! Ages 16-up only. Tickets in advance - free with your Library card or $15. Full details on our Web site.
Categories: In the Know, Upcoming Events FEBRUARY 14, 2012
Raising Fun & Funds at the Chocolate & Wine Tasting Benefit
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